so happy with the crumb in these tasty mike wazowski lookalikes (once you see it, you can’t unsee it), some of them might even throw you a cheeky side-eye depending on how they bake up.
the texture… with these little bundles, you can expect a moist, tender interior without the density or gumminess you might associate with gluten-free whole grains … it’s not hard to make AP flour rise; the real challenge is approximating that experience while using heartier grains.
the components… naturally sweetened with dates, banana and a touch of maple syrup, these muffins are balanced with protein from eggs, yogurt and walnuts as well as fiber-rich millet and oats; they’re a great replenishment after a workout (my current favorite post swim!) or to supply you with sustained energy throughout the day.
and the taste experience…. it will conjure up grandma’s kitchen on a crisp fall afternoon… the sun filtering through daisy printed curtains, the scent of cinnamon & spice mingling through the air and the grounding warmth of banana caramel in every bite… yes, that’s right, you may never leave.
for best results, be sure to follow the recipe (and use ripe bananas!)
- ❀ 4 pitted medjool dates (75 g)
- ❀ 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 mL)
- ❀ ¼ cup olive oil (60 mL)
- ❀ ¼ cup maple syrup (60 mL)
- ❀ ½ cup milk (120 mL)
- ❀ 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (approx 260 g) plus 12 thin slices for decorating
- ❀ 2 eggs
- ❀ ⅓ cup yogurt (80 g) -- i'm using siggi's vanilla icelandic yogurt
- ❀ 1 cup oatmeal flour (100 g) certified gf as required
- ❀ ¾ cup millet flour (90 g)
- ❀ ¼ cup tapioca flour (30 g) -- substitute arrowroot or cassava flour
- ❀ 2 tsp ground cinnamon (4 g) -- less for a milder cinnamon flavour
- ❀ ½ tsp Chinese 5 spice (1 g) -- it's worth seeking out!
- ❀ pinch salt
- ❀ 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
- ❀ 1 tsp baking powder (5 g)
- ❀ ¾ cup chopped walnuts (90 g)
- you'll need a couple bowls for this, but it'll be worth it :)
- remove eggs from fridge.
- in a blender/processor combine: medjool dates (pits removed), olive oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract - process until the dates are well broken down (it will look like a lumpy paste) scrape down as necessary and add milk, processing to combine.
- meantime, in a roomy bowl whisk eggs and then add the ingredients from the blender/processor along with yogurt and whisk again to combine.
- mash the bananas (i just use a small bowl for this with the help of a potato masher or fork) and add to wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
- in a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients: oatmeal flour, millet flour, tapioca flour, cinnamon, Chinese 5 spice, salt, baking soda and baking powder, whisking to combine and working out any clumps. Add the walnuts (or nut of choice) and mix to combine.
- add wet ingredients to dry (or dry to wet) and stir the mixture just until combined without over-mixing (pulling up from the bottom on occasion to make sure the dry ingredients are moistened).
- divide the mixture between 12 muffin cups (i don't typically use paper, i just grease the cups with oo spray) -- there should be enough batter to generously fill 12 standard size muffin cups.
- add a thin slice of banana to the top of each muffin and a little dusting of oats to decorate, as desired.
- bake the muffins at 350 F for approximately 24 minutes (the muffins should be golden (ish) and somewhat firm to the touch when you gently tap the top, if they are still really soft, they need more time).
- allow the muffins to cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before removing from cups. Store in an airtight container in the fridge (or freeze).
Kelly! What a beautiful, healthy recipe! I made it for a dear friend of mine who is on a gluten free diet and, unfortunately, dealing with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It is absolutely delicious and has been heart warming for my friend.
Kathleen…cuz!
Kathleen, i’m so sorry to hear about your dear friend, my heart goes out to them during such a challenging time; it touches me deeply to know that these muffins could bring even the smallest comfort to your friend’s day, thank you for sharing that with me; i am sending you both so much love, x
I only just discovered that dates are low on the glycemic index! What a discovery. We love muffins and banana are one of our fav’s. Looking forward to trying these.
ooh, sounds like these might be just right for you Eva! hope you like them if you give them a try.
Love it! Warm, beautiful and delicious looking photos❤️ it took me a while to figure out the wazowski reference LOL
i like to dwell in subtleties hah